National Historical Park
Washington

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Activity 5: Miner's License

Using the Miner's License, students will create an identification card for the character they create. The Miner's License also allows classmates to learn about each other's characters.

1. Pass out the Miner's License. Explain to the students the licenses are required for the trip through Canada to reach the Klondike region (this is not historical accuracy---Stampeders were not required to submit a mining license---but it allows students to fully develop their characters). Have the students think back on the real Stampeders whom they learned about in the previous lesson. Remind the kids that the people who participated in the stampede came from all parts of the world, and were of different ages and genders. Some traveled with family members, with business partners, and pets. Some wanted the gold while others sought out business opportunities, legal or otherwise, and adventure. Share the student samples, which are included, to help your students understand what is expected.

The "Statement of Intent" is an important part of the license because it requires the students to think about the reasons that caused their character to become a Stampeder.

TEACHER NOTES: Have your students first create a draft. Give the student their licenses after the draft is proof read. Displaying everyone's licenses helps the students learn about the other characters.

OBJECTIVE: To create a character who will take the journey to the Yukon territory; have students become personally invested in the storypath.